El Rey — Restaurant in New York

Ate here at this place for the first time. Wasn't impressed, was a bit upset by the end of the night. First a server asked if we wanted to go upstairs, she said they had food upstairs as well that we could choose from, but to our surprise the 2nd floor was part bar part karaoke station,(ok), so you could order food upstairs but only to stay there and eat (no to go plates on the 2nd floor). Apparently on the 2nd floor,(it's to order in) they have a small area for karaoke and dancing, to which we were unaware of, Ok, so then they blasted the music so loud you have to scream to talk to the people at you table because the loudness of the music is a total exaggeration, this guy raises thevolumeso loud that you have ringingin your ears by the time you leave, (i say ok play the music so people can enjoy it, but not so loud to the point where you have to yell to the person sitting next you because they can't hear you (so not good🤔). So we ordered because we were already upstairs so we had no other choice, i ordered white rice, beans and beef stew, which was pretty good, my husband had white rice, beans and some chicken which was like rotisserie style, his aunt ordered pork shoulderand salad with a side of smashed plantains. My husband said to me the chicken was dry, and he didn't like the taste of the beans much either. I think his aunt enjoyed the food somewhat, but anyway food service was ok. Then first we had one girl come over and serve us then, another come and took over and took care of us while we were there, so then we were a little confused to which one was our actual server, so at the end of our meal (which because of the loudness of the music we had to cut short because we couldn't even sit and talk and enjoy our meal) so we ate quickly and was ready to leave at which at that point my husband's aunt wanted to tip our server (i mean the girl that actually took care of us while we were there, the one who SERVED us), But the other girl that only came to us to bring our drinks in the beginning came to get the tip, we were like what?!, Mind you she didn't come to us all night while we were there, just that one time. Anyway, would i or (we) go back?, maybe just to order out, from the display, which is on the 1st floor, but not to sit and eat, i don't think...

I love the food in this restaurant but unfortunately the staff is kind of incompetent. Last Sunday I was there and there was a lady ordering food to go. I was behind that lady waiting to be attended. Once that lady left the restaurant, the female server disappear and I stayed like: She didn't see me? A guy (cashier) asked me if I was being attended, which I said no, I am still waiting for the server but she left. I am always with my stopwatch and I was standing there almost 10 minutes like a ghost. Once the server came back, I told her that I was waiting for her but I never knew the reason she left without helping me. After that, she was upset, and she told me that she thought I was together with the lady that ordered before me. That doesn't make any sense. If I didn't leave with that lady and I still there... then I am a separate client. If you work in customer service you can never assume, always ask! Another thing, have clear in your mind that part of the amount I pay for that rice and beans goes directly to your paycheck to provide your economic needs to you and your family. It may sound tough, but there is a quote that says: If you don't live to serve then you don't serve to live... The food is very exquisite here but the service is very poor, the staff need to be re-trained, or re-hire more civilized,...

Friday; Sept. 8, 2023 UNBELIEVABLE!!!

I used to frequent this place before COVID. The vibe on the 1st floor during game time was really good 2 big screens on opposite sides, jukebox 🎶 going everyone rooting for their team & getting some cultural good Spanish food for a reasonable price on a Fri/Sat was it! The waiters took a moment between service to dance with a customer, make his nite.

BUT WHAT HAPPEN?

The management changed & is weak, waitresses don't care to give you good service. They forget about you.

I really enjoy a plate called Locrio, the new cook refuses to make it.

My favorite cook, Tulile is present only in the morning shift & he made it delicious just for me.

The place is dead! I ordered white rice, beans on the side with carne quisada (Beef stew - whack, hard - the wrong side of the cow) and maduros. My husband food was 👍 white rice, beans & pollo guidado.

They continue to serve dine-in with Karaoke on the top floor was always a better ambiance. Now I don't know & the DJ weak! One can hear the music clearly from downstairs.

The women's facility disgusting. No paper towel to dry your hands A hand dryer that is dirty, broken, chipping needs to be thrown away. I was truly disappointed 😞.

Where is Tony? Please...